In instructions that could serve as a model for managing a local federal workforce wherever there is a major event that could produce a significant impact on traffic, OPM has told agencies in the Washington, D.C. area to step up their use of telework during the Papal visit to the city September 22-24.
“Due to the increase in traffic, road closures, significant detours, crowded trains and buses, longer wait times at stops and stations, and related commuting disruptions on these days, federal employees who work in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area should expect significant commuting delays and travel disruptions,” it warns.
OPM said it “strongly encourages agencies to allow employees to telework to keep the government operating while helping to minimize traffic congestion and support law enforcement efforts during this event. Employees who can be spared from their duties may also request to adjust their work schedule and use their alternative work schedule day off or take annual leave, leave without pay, and /or previously earned compensatory time off or earned credit hours under a flexible work schedule.”
Employees who must commute should allow extra time going to and from work, and agencies “should use all the communications tools they have in place, such as hotlines and website updates, to inform employees of any relevant, agency-specific issues,” it says.
